On 3 October 2025 the Consultative Committee on Promotion of Basic Drug Manufacturing met with stakeholders at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Peshawar to discuss measures to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and reduce import dependence. The proposal to establish an API Park formed the core of discussions as participants evaluated ways to expand Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient capacity within the province.
Dr. Noor Muhammad Shah, Chairman of the API Cell at DRAP, proposed developing an API Park in Palai, Malakand Agency as a strategic hub for domestic API production. The proposal aims to concentrate infrastructure and resources to support scale-up of basic drug manufacturing and improve the supply chain for essential medicines.
The CEO of the KP Economic Zones Development & Management Company (KPEDC) welcomed the API Park proposal and committed to recommending the project to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for further consideration and action. The endorsement from KPEDC is expected to accelerate planning and investment discussions for the site in Palai.
To advance the initiative a Committee was constituted bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia and regulatory sectors. This collaborative body will coordinate planning, align regulatory requirements with industry needs and prepare recommendations to facilitate investment and operational readiness for the proposed API Park.
Stakeholders noted that the API Park could boost industrial growth, enhance healthcare security by reducing reliance on imports and support regional development in Malakand. The newly formed Committee will now proceed with detailed planning and advisory work to move the API Park proposal toward implementation.
